Hula History
by Jonathan Howery
March 2nd, 2015

The swaying of the hips, the sounds of the chants and songs, each motion meaning a specific action in a tale or legend. Hula was how stories were passed down from generation to generation.

Hula dancing was developed in the Hawaiian Islands from the Polynesians that first settled here.  Hula was originally used for religious traditions. It was used to honor gods as well as entertain chiefs. The specific motions and meanings of the dance range from nature and the elements to specific actions like fishing and fighting. Hula is the essence of life itself for the Hawaiians. It links them to the universe and all of creation.

Dancing the hula was very serious business back in the old days. If mistakes were made then it would throw off the positive vibes of the steps and create bad luck. When first learning how to hula, dancers were placed under the protection of a goddess so they would not create bad omens. These dances are not only graceful and elegant but engage and touch a depth of the aloha spirit.

Traditional or ancient hula was named Hula Kahiko and was rooted as ‘earthly dance’ while most of today's style since coming under western influence is called Hula Auana, meaning to drift or wander. This style is more directed as an entertainment style for tourists. In the early 1800s when the Protestants came to Hawaii, they shunned the dances for being too sexual in nature even though they were sacred. Eventually once the royalty converted, hula dancing became banned. However, it was practiced in secret. In the later 1800s it was finally revived and in the 1900s a new form called Hula Ku’i, meaning old and new, was born with western influenced musical instruments. This eventually led to the spread of Hula Auana.

While many hula dancers capitalized on the money pouring in from tourists, there are still aspects and undertones from the original forms rooted in sacred steps. There are still ancient tales, history, and philosophy passed down through these delicate movements. To see a traditional Hawaiian Hula dance you might consider attending a Luau. For tours and activities don’t forget to check out HawaiiDiscount.com.

There you have it, the history of hula.

Hawaii Discount offers the best prices on Hawaii Tours and Hawaii Activities. Be sure to join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #glimpsehawaii


Mahalo!

Loa’a wale lā
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